Students and staff at Stanley High School are celebrating after their year 10 football team recorded a memorable victory in the final of a top national competition.

The Southport team beat Ibstock Place School from London 3-0 in the last stage of the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) Under 15 PlayStation Trophy, held at the Madejski Stadium, home of Reading Football Club.

The Stanley players saw off the challenge of more than 100 teams from around the country to win this event, with victories against schools from Rochdale, Liverpool, Rossendale, Church Stretton in Shropshire and Wakefield in previous rounds.

In the final, after a few very early scares from a bigger Ibstock Place side, Stanley High took control of the match with their flowing, passing football and were two up within just a quarter of an hour.

Stanley went ahead after 10 minutes with a 25-yard shot from centre forward Josh Moore, before left back Liam Parker made it 2-0 five minutes later with a spectacular chip over the keeper from 35 yards.

In the second half it was also Liam who wrapped up the game for the Southport side from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to go, after Daniel Singleton was brought down in the box after beating four men on an impressive run.

At the end of the game Stanley midfielder Jack Edmondson was named Man of the Match, collecting a PlayStation 4. Several Stanley High fans also received PlayStations after winning the half-time crossbar challenge competition.

Stanley High Subject Leader in PE and Team Coach, James Walsh, commented: “Victory in the final was a fantastic achievement which reflects the skill and hard work of all the players involved throughout the long cup campaign.

“I’m particularly pleased for this team because the same players reached the semi-final of the under 13 competition two years ago, only to lose in the last minute of extra time, so they’re delighted to have gone all the way this season.

“After their success in the Sefton Schools League last year, it’s been very exciting to see the team go on to make their mark at national level this term, especially as this has been achieved by playing an open and attractive brand of football that’s really good to watch,” added Mr Walsh.